Forest trump
David Laister gets back to nature in Robin Hood country
Birdsong, rising beautifully over the top of the gentle hum of the hot tub, is the only sound to be taken in as the evening sun catches the trees soaring high above, casting a spotlight on foraging squirrels.
There’s an undisturbed view of our own little section of Sherwood Forest in all its glory, with wildlife acrobatics an added bonus, enjoyed with book in one hand and a glass in the other.
The Sherwood Hideaway at Thoresby is the calm tranquillity that a busy work and home life make us yearn for.
Set in a clearing once used for Army training within Nottinghamshire’s famous royal forest, there’s no rowdy clubhouse, splashing swimmers or ever-louder pub pontifications to disturb here. Just a modest collection of well laid out luxury lodges bringing the best of home to the heart of the jewel of middle England.
And with widescreen televisions and impeccable wi-fi, we found the kids were more than happy to let us have our moment, having explored the new-found space this charming rustic getaway serves up.
The inviting open plan kitchen, lounge and diner of our accommodation led out to rear decking, where much of our time was spent – either at the table or in the tub.
Further back and two good-sized bedrooms, with an en-suite master provide for the ultimate R&R, while clever design creates all the space you
could need. Pets are welcome too.
And while a good page-turner and a chilled bottle or two could easily have you rooted like the Major Oak that we found to be a nearby forest attraction – said to have sheltered a certain Robin Hood and his merry men – the call of the great outdoors is overwhelming.
With hi-spec mountain bikes delivered to our lodge on arrival by British Bike Hire, we were soon off exploring the trails that lead out in different directions.
Thoresby Hall, its park and wider estate – of which Sherwood Hideaway forms part – was tackled via sweeping open country lanes to the north first. It was an easy ride as we embraced our new steeds, building to the varied forest tracks all around.
And with primary school children there was a thirst for further adventure beyond the saddle.
Rufford Abbey Country Park offers just that. A taste of Robin Hood with archery, then crazy golf, adventure play and ice cream while enjoying a rowing boat on Rufford Lake.
Only slightly further north is the picturesque Clumber Park, while a desire for the type of extreme adrenalin an 11-year-old wants to channel saw our inner squirrels released within the forest’s Go Ape. All of these and so much more is found within a five-mile sweep of our home from home.
Exhausted by our escapades, a return to the lodge soon had us recharged. With such a well-equipped kitchen we were more than happy to cook as the little ones collapsed in comfort, before rising again for another stint in the hot tub.
For those keen to travel further, it provides a perfect base to explore the Peak District, Lincoln and Nottingham, with Hardwick Hall, Newstead Abbey and Bolsover Castle within reach.
Just make sure you set some time aside to savour the lodge’s calm as the sun sets on another super summer day in Sherwood Forest.
We spent much of our time out on the decking and enjoying the hot tub